Will ice and snow stop the great getaway in its tracks? Big freeze threatens festive holidays

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER- Widespread warnings for icy roads across Scotland and Northern England- Experts warn of 'Christmas syndrome' as staff use weather to stay home- AA puts extra patrols on roads to coped with rise in breakdowns- Up to six inches of snow expected over the weekend- 18million cars expected to take to the roads over Christmas getaway period- Next Thursday likely to be the busiest